Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"A Dream of Three Sisters" is a poem by Norman Dubie, first published in 1982 in his collection "The Volcano." The poem is written in free verse and tells the story of three sisters who experience a traumatic event in their childhood that haunts them for the rest of their lives.

Explanation: 

The poem opens with a dream-like scene of the sisters walking together in a forest, when they suddenly come across a man with a knife who tries to attack them. The sisters manage to escape, but are left traumatized by the experience. The rest of the poem explores the ways in which the sisters cope with their trauma and the lasting impact it has on their lives. One sister becomes a painter, using her art as a way to process her feelings, while another becomes a recluse, avoiding the outside world. The third sister tries to find solace in religion, but ultimately becomes disillusioned with it.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: Free verse
• Imagery: The poem contains vivid and striking imagery, particularly in its descriptions of the forest and the man with the knife.
• Symbolism: The forest can be seen as a symbol of the unconscious mind, while the man with the knife represents the danger and trauma that lurks within.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is haunting and dream-like, reflecting the surreal nature of the sisters' experience.

Conclusion:

 "A Dream of Three Sisters" is a powerful and haunting poem that explores the lasting impact of trauma on the human psyche. Through its vivid imagery and dream-like tone, the poem captures the complex emotions and coping mechanisms that can arise in the aftermath of a traumatic event.

Poem Snippet:

"It was a dream, but even in dreams

the dreamers are not safe, nor do they know

the end of the story."

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